BEYOND THE MIC
Where Creativity Becomes a Career
An Unprecedented Voiceover and Creative Careers Conference Comes to Des Moines
If you are here, it is because you have learned about an amazing opportunity coming to Iowa for artists and creatives.
In collaboration with Knock and Drop Iowa and the Latino Center of Iowa, we are proud to bring the first ever voiceover conference to Des Moines, Iowa, completely free to artists in our community.
We organized this conference because we believe the incredible artists and creatives in Iowa deserve access to the people, knowledge, resources, and opportunities that can help turn their talent into a career.
Our goal is simple:
To support, uplift, empower, and inspire the next generation of artists.
Whether your passion is voiceover, acting, public speaking, writing, painting, music, storytelling, or another creative craft, we want you to know that your talent has value and that there are pathways to building a career from what you love to do.
This conference is designed to give emerging and underserved artists access to professionals who have built successful careers in the creative industry and to show them what is possible.
Sponsored By
MEET THE PANEL
Sylvia Villagran
Sylvia Villagran is a monumental figure in the voiceover and announcing community. She is the first woman to announce the Emmys, Grammys, Oscars, and Tonys and has forged an extraordinary career in the entertainment industry.
Sylvia brings years of professional experience and a unique perspective on what it takes to build a lasting career in voiceover and broadcasting.
Erika Alcaraz
Erika Alcaraz is a talent agent at Sutton, Barth & Vennari (SBV Talent), where she leads the Spanish voiceover division. With 15 years of experience in the entertainment industry, her career spans talent management, music publishing, and talent agencies, giving her a well-rounded perspective on the evolving landscape of media and representation.
As a proud Mexican, Erika is passionate about uplifting Latino voices in the industry and ensuring diverse talent gets the recognition it deserves. As a voiceover talent agent, she has worked on numerous accounts within the Hispanic market with brands like Toyota, AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Taco Bell, McDonald’s, and Walmart, among many others, as well as networks including Telemundo, Univision, and Disney.
When she’s not traveling, you can find Erika dancing in a Zumba class or discovering the latest ceviche spot. She thrives on building strong relationships, values meaningful connections, and is always eager to collaborate with talented, driven individuals who are committed to amplifying diverse voices in media.
Jessica Trinidad
Founder, JessiCat Productions
Jessica Trinidad is a professional voiceover artist and media producer who has built her career right here in Des Moines, Iowa.
As a working voiceover professional, entrepreneur, and creative, Jessica represents the local perspective.
Her journey demonstrates that you do not necessarily have to leave Iowa to pursue a professional creative career.
Sometimes, the first step is simply having access to the right information, the right resources, and the right people.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is more than a panel. It is an opportunity to learn, participate, connect, and experience the industry firsthand.
Our Stories
Our panelists will share their personal journeys, including how they got started, the challenges they encountered, the opportunities that shaped their careers, and what they have learned along the way.
Industry Conversation
We will discuss what it really takes to turn creative talent into a career, including developing your skills, finding opportunities, understanding the business, and navigating the professional entertainment industry.
Live Voiceover Practice
Want to step up to the microphone?
Attendees will have the opportunity to sign up in advance to participate in a live voiceover practice session.
Selected participants will come forward, read copy, receive direction, and experience what it is like to work through a professional voiceover performance.
Audience Q&A
Bring your questions.
Ask our panelists about voiceover, auditions, representation, building a creative career, finding opportunities, working from Iowa, and more.
Prizes and Recognition
We will close the afternoon by celebrating participating artists with special prizes and recognition.
Because talent deserves to be recognized, and sometimes a little encouragement can be the beginning of something much bigger.
WHY WE ARE DOING THIS
Iowa has incredible artists.
We want those artists to have access to opportunities, resources, mentorship, and industry professionals who can help them take their talent to the next level.
We want artists to know that their creativity has value.
That their voice matters.
That their talent can become more than a hobby.
It can become a career.
This is the type of opportunity we strive to bring to talent in Iowa because we deserve it.
And we believe the next great voice, artist, actor, writer, creator, or storyteller could be right here in our community.
EVENT INFORMATION
Beyond the Mic
Voiceover and Creative Careers Conference
Saturday, October 10, 2026
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Mainframe Studios
900 Keosauqua Way
Des Moines, Iowa
FREE ADMISSION FOR ARTISTS
Email jessica@jessicatproductions.com with the subject line “Beyond the Mic” to inquire about available seats.
Please include your name, creative discipline, and organization or school, if applicable.
Space is limited and advance registration is required.
Come with your questions.
Come with your talent.
Come with your dreams.
You never know where one opportunity can take you.